Momentum Builds for the Yongsan-Hongcheon Metropolitan Railway
as Preliminary Feasibility Study Nears Completion
Hongcheon County in Gangwon Province (County Governor Shin Youngjae) announced on September 2 that the Yongsan-Hongcheon Metropolitan Railway project, which is currently undergoing a preliminary feasibility study, has been included in the '2026 Government Budget Proposal.'
The Yongsan-Hongcheon Metropolitan Railway has been allocated 500 million won in the 2026 government budget proposal. If the project passes the preliminary feasibility study currently being conducted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, it is expected to gain momentum for implementation.
Until now, Hongcheon County has made joint efforts between the public and private sectors to ensure the Yongsan-Hongcheon Metropolitan Railway passes the preliminary feasibility study and to expedite the project's commencement.
County officials, including Governor Shin Youngjae, have frequently visited central government agencies and the National Assembly to communicate the aspirations of county residents and the necessity of the project. They have also established a cooperative system with related organizations such as Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and the Gangwon Research Institute to respond together.
In addition, various sectors of society, including the Gangwon branch of the Korean Senior Citizens Association, Buddhist and Christian communities, and the Youth Council, have delivered statements and handwritten letters urging the project's approval to the Presidential Office and central government agencies. The County Village Leaders’ Association has also continued a relay promotional campaign in Sejong City since July this year, with active participation from the private sector, regardless of age or gender, to attract the railway project.
In particular, Kim Jin-tae, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, visited the Minister of Economy and Finance in August to directly propose the Yongsan-Hongcheon Metropolitan Railway. He stated, "I am doing my utmost, day and night, sitting or standing, to ensure the project passes the preliminary feasibility study and is secured for our region."
The Yongsan-Hongcheon Metropolitan Railway now only awaits the outcome of the preliminary feasibility study by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The study is in its final stages, and the results are expected to be announced around the end of this year.
Governor Shin Youngjae stated, "At the threshold of autumn in September, I am pleased to deliver the good news to our residents that the basic plan and feasibility study budget for the Yongsan-Hongcheon Metropolitan Railway has been included in next year's government budget proposal." He added, "This achievement has accelerated Hongcheon's realization as a leading economic city."
He continued, "I would like to express my deep gratitude to all the residents who have supported us, as well as to Governor Kim Jin-tae, provincial and county officials, and National Assemblyman Yoo Sangbum and other local lawmakers who have directly contributed to this effort. Together with Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, we will remain vigilant and focus all administrative resources until the final decision on the preliminary feasibility study for the Yongsan-Hongcheon Metropolitan Railway is made."
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